What is Trinity Baptist Church?

The Trinity Baptist Church is an assembly of baptized believers who have covenanted together for the purpose of glorifying God in all that we think, say, and do. We endeavor to achieve that purpose through the public worship of God, the preaching of His Word, consistently living what we preach, and by local and global evangelistic effort.

Becoming a member of the Trinity Baptist Church is an important decision. To become a member of this church is to enter into a covenant with the other members of the church. At Trinity, every member is equal; all enjoy the same privileges and share in the same responsibilities. Membership means accountability. Together we labor for the Lord, and together we meet the spiritual needs of one another.

Trinity Baptist Church observes two ordinances: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Christ is the head of this church (and of every church); the pastor is Christ’s under-shepherd of the church. Trinity is independent of any outside authority. Under the Lordship of Christ, the church follows the leadership of the pastor and functions democratically as directed by the church membership.

Joining Trinity Baptist Church

There are three ways in which this church will accept new members.

Letter of Transfer

First, a person may unite with us by a letter of transfer from another Baptist church of like faith and order. When someone requests to join in this fashion, Trinity Baptist Church will request a letter of transfer of membership from the candidate’s former church.

Statement of Faith

Second, a person may unite with us by statement. This signifies that the candidate was once a member of another Baptist church of like faith and practice but a letter of transfer is unobtainable. Trinity Baptist Church will generally accept a candidate’s statement about his baptism and membership in another Baptist church; however, it is important that a full explanation be given to the church concerning why a letter of transfer is unobtainable.

Profession of Faith & Baptism

Third, a person may unite with us by profession of faith and subsequent baptism. This means that a person publicly confesses to be a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, and is asking for baptism and membership in Trinity Baptist Church. The act of baptism identifies the believer with Christ and with His church. Members of Trinity vote to receive the candidate for baptism. After baptism a person is a member.

Baptism is not sacramental. Baptism is symbolic; picturing the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and a representation of what has already taken place through conversion: death to the old life, its burial, and raised to walk in newness of life in Christ.

Meaningful Membership

Church membership is not just a religious exercise. To unite with the Trinity Baptist Church is to agree with our church covenant, and it is uniting with us for the purpose of glorifying God in all that we think, say, and do; endeavoring to achieve that purpose through the public worship of God, the preaching of His Word, consistently living what we preach, and by local and global evangelistic effort.

In order to do this, a church member must be faithful in church attendance, study the Bible (the learning is for living), pray daily for God’s help and leadership, faithfully give a tithe and offering to support the Lord’s work, and take an active part in this church’s ministry.

CHURCH COVENANT

Having been led, as we believe by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, and, on profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now, in the presence of God, angels, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ.

We engage therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church, in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrines; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, and the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel through all nations.

We also engage to maintain family and secret devotion; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to seek God’s help in abstaining from all indulgences and conduct which harm the body or jeopardize our own or another’s faith, and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Savior.

We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offence, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Savior to secure it without delay.

We moreover engage that when we remove from this place, we will as soon as possible unite with some other church, where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word.